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MAGNESIUM AND MUSCLE HEALTH

Updated: Dec 11, 2019

By Leah Steenbuck

Magnesium is an important mineral that myself and other massage therapists often advise our clients to consume usually as a supplement to assist with muscle tension. This is because magnesium is particularly important from a massage perspective as it assists in regulating muscle contractions by helping the muscles to return to a relaxed state after a contraction has occurred. Without it, our muscles would not function properly.

However magnesium is also used for many different functions in the body. Many of these include nervous system function, sleep regulation, heart health, bone health and of course, muscle health.

In addition to massage therapy which is used to manually manipulate soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, the inclusion of magnesium rich foods into your diet will also improve muscle health as well as mental well being and relaxation. When your muscles are happy, you will be happy too! You will feel more energized, sleep will be more restful, work, exercise and playing with the kids will be less exhausting all because magnesium will work to increase energy, brain function and of course muscle relaxation and function!

Foods containing high amounts of magnesium are bananas, avocado, whole grains, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as nuts and seeds. Including these foods into your diet can be as simple as swapping crackers for some mixed nuts when snacking, making a smoothie and adding some spinach or opting for avocado on toast or sandwiches instead of butter or margarine. Super easy!

Muscle cramping, twitches and chronic muscle tension can all potentially be caused by a mild magnesium deficiency. These issues can also be improved by magnesium supplementation in combination with massage therapy to alleviate symptoms and improve muscular health and function.

So next time your muscles are feeling stiff and sore, donʼt just get a massage, eat some more magnesium!

Note:

It is best to speak to your local pharmacist or naturopath/dietician to get the correct dosage advice before purchasing an over the counter magnesium supplement, Is you may need more or less than what is prescribed on the label and there may be interactions with particular medications and in some cases will need to be avoided.